Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
111. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will outline the preparations being undertaken for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22947/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are well underway across both policy and operational strands of planning, led by my Department working closely with the Department of the Taoiseach, and with the active participation of all Departments across Government.
Significant progress has been made on the preparation of Ireland’s policy approach and on putting in place key practical and operational building blocks for the Presidency.
Work is ongoing to develop our Presidency priorities and policy programme. This is being prepared against the backdrop of the EU’s Strategic Agenda and is focusing on three broad thematic pillars, which reflect the pillars of the Strategic Agenda: competitiveness, values and security.
During the Presidency, we will host an extensive programme of meetings and events in Ireland. Work to put in place the key operational and logistical supports for this meetings programme, including an accreditation system, arrangements for interpretation, transport, catering and accommodation, is also now well advanced.
As we are now just over three months away from the start of the Presidency, planning in all areas continues to intensify in conjunction with all Government Departments and key agencies to ensure the successful delivery of the Presidency.
Our 2026 EU Presidency will be a major undertaking for Ireland and is a key focus for the work of Government. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
